Guardian Short Cycling / Nuisance Shutdown

Generator starts and stops repeatedly without transferring load; short run cycles followed by shutdown with no clear code.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Intermittent fuel supply, Loose low-voltage control wiring, Overly sensitive safety switch, Faulty controller firmware

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Place the controller in OFF and open the main breaker. Do not allow repeated short cycling, as it can damage the engine and starter.

  • Check fuel supply stability: Verify gas pressure remains steady during operation. Have a gas technician confirm line sizing and regulator performance.
  • Inspect control wiring: Check all low-voltage harness connections at the controller, sensors, and transfer switch for looseness or corrosion.
  • Observe shutdown behavior: Watch the controller display during a manual start to see if any brief alarm appears before shutdown.
  • Firmware update: Consult a Guardian dealer about controller firmware updates that may correct nuisance shutdown behavior.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Controller Harness
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